The Henson Journals

[175]

Tuesday, November 1st, 1927.

My fatal month makes and ill start with a thoroughly ill–conditioned day, dull, wet, & depressing. I wrote to Kenneth in reply to a very affectionate note from him. he sent me the cheque for £35, which he had received on account of his GG scholarship. he is plainly beginning to enjoy Oxford. Heaven grant that Oxford do not ruin him! The whole morning was spent in writing letters. Robin came to lunch, & talked with me for more than an hour afterwards. He is very confident that he will carry his constituency. He spoke very frankly about the desertion of Wynyard. I like him much, but he is very enigmatick. Spencer Wade brought two of his parishioners to be privately confirmed. I performed the ceremony in the Chapel, & then gave them tea.

Lionel and I motored to Seaton Carew, picking up Wilson in Durham on the way. There I instituted Cook to the Vicarage, in presence of a large congregation, and in a stifling atmosphere. There was a considerable gathering of the ruri–decanal clergy, which was the more creditable since the weather was so unpleasant. After the service we returned to Auckland Castle, stopping in Durham to leave Wilson on the way.